All the answers

FAQs

What is the Tough Mountain Challenge?
The Tough Mountain Challenge is the most awesome race in the universe: a four-mile adventure obstacle race in the mountains that would make Chuck Norris cry, which is good, because his tears can cure cancer.

How fit should I be?
If you can run a few miles you will probably survive. If you get winded walking from the TV room to the fridge, this probably isn’t for you.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. One obstacle (Barker Pond) has overhead-depth water that you will fall into. Lift jackets will be available if you're a sinker. Other obstacles have chest-deep water.

Is there a plan for bad weather?
Yes. The event runs rain or shine, but if weather creates safety concerns (lightning, etc) we place the course on hold. At each obstacle you'll find color-coded weather status signs as well as event crew that can direct you to shelter if needed. If the event does go on hold, competitors are able to return to the point they reached on course and finish the event. If weather keeps us from being able to start and complete all heats, your registration will transfer to the following year for free assuming you arrived and checked in at this year's event. All weather-related decisions are made on the day of the event.

Can I register as a team?
Heck yes. It’s even more fun to do this with your friends, especially if you’re in better shape. You can sign up for teams of four or more.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes, but only through June 28. You'll need to log in to make the transfer. Helpful instructions here.

Will you have a photographer?
Yes. Midcoast Photography will be shooting the event this year and will have photos available for purchase on-site the day of the event and online after the event.

Are zombies/vampires/werewolves involved?
No, but it’s good training for when they do actually attack.

Can kids sign up?
Ages 13 and up can register for TMC, though it is recommended for ages 18 and up and your free beer will become a free non-alcoholic beverage if you're under 21. For those under 13 we have a Mini Mountain Challenge.

What's the venue like?
It is awesome and you are so lucky to be competing in this event. Similar events are run in the middle of a big field on a mud track with a bunch of man-made obstacles surrounded by a few tents, a hundred port-a-potties, and parking. At TMC you'll be in the middle of Sunday River ski resort with all the facilities, amenities, and activities you could want.

How do I clean up after the event?
To clean your body we'll have outdoor showers set up, and there are restrooms for changing inside the lodge. The showers are not heated. If you have a dirty mind you'll need to figure that out on your own.

Where can I store my valuables?
Whatever you don’t want to leave in your car can be held in our free cubbies inside South Ridge Lodge or in our lockers for a few bucks.

Will there be food? Booze?
Please. For many of us, that’s the whole reason to do this. There will be barbecues and bars open all day in the event venue, the Foggy Goggle will be open inside (and has a great deck), and there is a small grocery store next to the lodge. If you compete you'll get a free beer. You're welcome.

What's with the free beer?
You get a free beer (or soda) with your registration. When you check in you'll get a bracelet that you can have cut off to exchange for your free beer at any of our bars or BBQs before or after the event. If you're truly awesome, you can take your beer at our mid-course beer stations (which 40% of the field usually does).

Where do I park?
There is plenty of free parking at South Ridge Lodge, where the event starts and finishes.

Where can friends and family watch?
Spectators can watch the start/finish line right at South Ridge Lodge and are invited to wander the course -- many of the most popular obstacles are within walking distance. There's plenty of seating, food and things to do. Coming up to watch the event or join the Friday party is free.

Where should I stay?
We've got you covered with two hotels right at the ski resort complete with pools, health clubs, spas (think post-race massage), etc., plus a comfortable inn. Lodging is available for Friday or Saturday night.

What else can I do that weekend?
TMC is the centerpiece of an all-day event that includes free music, barbecues, and a range of including chairlift rides and ziplines. The town of Bethel has lots to offer including canoe trips and fishing on the Androscoggin River, tons of hiking in the region, plenty of options for lodging and restaurants, and more.

Where can I leave my kids?
Despite plentiful parking, please do not leave them in the car. Child care is available at Sunday River's state-licensed facility next to South Ridge Lodge on the day of the event between 9:00am and 4:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended - please call 207-824-5083.

Where can I leave my grandparents?
South Ridge Lodge is located right next to the Start/Finish area and has seating, food, a retail store, gear storage, etc. Granny and Gramps can hang out in the lodge if they prefer to be out of the sun and away from the action. If they want to wear headbands and your event shirt and talk about their race strategywhile stretching, even better.

What should I wear/bring?
Wear comfortable, loose workout clothes that you aren’t afraid to ruin and wear hiking shoes or cross-trainers suitable for uneven terrain. We recommend you not wear anything of value, like an iPod, jewelry, or a CamelBak, because it may get ruined or eaten by the mud. There will be water stations throughout the course, but keep in mind that you will be outside for most of the day—keep an eye on the weather as the TMC approaches and pack accordingly. Outdoor showers will be available next to the finish if you want to wash the mud off.

Where do I check in when I get there?
Check-in is at South Ridge Lodge at Sunday River. You won't miss it. We also have a small grocery store that will be open throughout the event in case you need a beer to take the edge off prior to the event. Pro tip: check in Friday night -- it's faster, and we throw a big party.

What time should I arrive?
You should come up Friday night to take advantage of Early Check-In from 5-9pm and our race pre-party that starts at 6pm. However, you may arrive any time on the day of the event. Check-in opens at 7am. Try to get here at least an hour before your heat so you have time to register, stash your stuff, and scout the course.

Where can I get results?
Results will be posted on a digital board as you cross the finish line, and online on this site after the event.

Can I get a refund on my registration?
Registration is non-refundable, however transfers can by made before June 28 for a $25 fee. Sign in on the registration page to make a transfer, and if you have questions check out the helpful instructions. Transfers cannot be made after June 28.

How should I train?
Get off the couch. No, seriously, do some circuit training, some cardio, and some strengthening. For pointers, we recommend watching Karate Kid, Roadhouse, and anything with Chuck Norris. Remember: Pain is weakness leaving the body.

Can I skip an obstacle?
No. All competitors will be outfitted with electronic shock collars and the entire course is monitored by real-time wireless video. If you skip an obstacle we'll zap you. Just kidding—there is nothing keeping you from skipping an obstacle but you'll feel cheated from the full Tough Mountain experience if you do so. Plus it's bad karma.

Are pets allowed?
Of course, just make sure you have your furry friend’s leash, and if you bring an alligator or large snake please keep them out of the water obstacles.

Do you need volunteers?
Yes. We welcome anyone interested in helping out with the event, and you'll walk away with a t-shirt and lunch. Volunteer shifts are generally four hours long, unless you really want to get after it and do more. Please email us at events@sundayriver.com.

If you have questions about the format of the event or other competitor-related items please email us.